Timor-Leste

Recommended Vaccinations For Timor-Leste

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure through contaminated food or water. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Long-term travellers (i.e., trips lasting a month or more) are generally considered to be at higher risk during Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season, especially if travel will include rural areas with rice fields and marshland where exposure to mosquitoes may increase. Short term (less than 1 month) travellers are generally considered to be at low risk, unless they spend time in areas where the mosquito breeds, such as rice fields or marshlands, or pig-farming areas. Vaccination should be considered for travellers whose itineraries or activities will increase their risk (e.g. spending substantial time outdoors in rural or agricultural areas; staying in accommodations without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets). Travellers who are going to an area with an ongoing outbreak of Japanese encephalitis or who are uncertain about their specific activities or duration of travel should consider obtaining the vaccination.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommeded to all infants 6 to 11 months old before travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Timor-Leste

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

The recommended anti-malarial medications are Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. There is chloroquine resistance.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Timor-Leste

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever can occur in Timor-Leste

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever can occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in the country through contaminated food or being around someone infected with the virus.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring measles in the country.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis occurs in this country with presumed year-round transmission. All travellers should take measures to avoid mosquito bites particularly between dusk and dawn.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Malaria

There is a low risk of acquiring Malaria in this country.

Rabies

Timor-Leste is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. Travelers engaged in occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Timor-Leste, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Safety & Security in Timor-Leste

Personal Safety

Tourist facilities are limited in Timor-Leste, and crime against foreigners is common. Take necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid theft, violence, and crime. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Keep your passport and identification documents with you when travelling in Timor-Leste as identification checkpoints are common. To avoid being a target, do not display wealth. Do not travel alone, especially at night. Harassment and violence towards local and foreign women are common. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers, and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

Road travel outside of urban areas can be unsafe due to poor road conditions, unpredictable weather, roadblocks and lack of driver caution. Accidents are frequent. Drive on the left side of the road. Do not stray from the main roads as explosives may remain from World War II and the Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste. Avoid these unfrequented areas. Avoid using taxis or trucks as public transportation as the road conditions, driver caution and safety standards may be poor. Also, exercise caution when travelling by boat as safety standards may be poor.

Due to Timor-Leste’s location in an active seismic zone, earthquakes are not uncommon. Tsunamis may also occur. Monsoon season is from December to March and can result in large-scale flooding, landslides, damage to infrastructure, injury and death. Be cautious on beaches as crocodiles have been reported on beaches near Dili.

LGBTI travelers are advised that although same-sex relations are not illegal in Timor-Leste, the conservative nature of the country may result in a lack of tolerance towards gay behaviour.

All travellers are advised to dress and behave conservatively and to avoid all public displays of affection in respect for local sensitivities. The primary religion in Timor-Leste is Catholicism. Travellers should be aware of and respectfully observe religious days and should be sensitive when visiting and photographing landmarks and sites of religious and cultural significance. Permission may be needed to enter these sites.

Extreme Violence

Although there have not been any recent cases of terrorism in Timor-Leste, attacks cannot be ruled out. Gang-related violence, arson, robbery and vandalism occur, especially in the capital city of Dili. Such violence is usually reported during the early evening hours (local time) and at night.

Political Unrest

Despite the political stability of recent years, the security situation of Timor-Leste is unpredictable and may change rapidly. Avoid large public gatherings. Violence could occur with little notice, especially during significant political events, such as presidential or parliamentary elections. Hotspots for such unrest are usually government buildings, institutions or residences. Also including areas in the vicinity of Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili.

Areas To Avoid

Although there are no specific areas mentioned to be avoided, travelers are advised to remain vigilant in certain areas of Dili. These include the Beach Road; Christo Rei, the Jesus Statue; Tasi Tolu; and Back Beach behind the Jesus Statue.